Clarice Durbin

Clarice Durbin, age 83, of Milbank died on July 12, 2019, at Avantara Milbank (formerly Milbank Care and Rehabilitation Center).

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 16, at 1:00 p.m. at Living Word Lutheran Church in Milbank. Rev. Kent Groethe will officiate and burial will be in the Milbank City Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Casket bearers will be Paul Lewis, Steven Trapp, Michael Durbin, Dan Keimig, Adam Lewis, and Eric Stuckey.

Clarice Ardell (Kloster) Durbin was born on November 8, 1935, in Milbank, SD, to the late Leonard and Rozella (Anderson) Kloster. Clarice graduated as salutatorian from Milbank High School in 1953. That same year she was married to Neil Lewis. They were blessed with four children.

Clarice was an admired member of the Milbank community throughout her life. Within each circle she was a part of, she contributed generously and truly embodied a loving, God-fearing kindness to be admired. Her hardworking and giving spirit paved a successful path as she raised her family and always gave each job and committee her best.

Throughout her lifetime, she enjoyed bowling and was a Cub Scout Den Mother. She loved to play bridge and enjoyed attending Red Hat Ladies’ functions. She was a devoted Sunday School teacher and a member of the Altar Guild and Bible studies. After many years of being a homemaker, Clarice’s time and talents were also given to her positions at First National Bank and later Royal Insurance, where she worked until her retirement.

In 1980, she married Dan Durbin and they thoroughly enjoyed their 35 years together before Dan’s passing in 2015.

Left to cherish her memories are her sons: Steve (Cherie) Lewis of Wilmot, SD; and Brad (Deb) Lewis of Fargo, ND; her daughters: Lori (Randy) Dockter of Milbank, SD; and Karen Lewis Kayl of Sioux Falls, SD; step-children: Jane (Sam) Azure of Mandan, ND; Brad Durbin of Bethel, WA; and Jeff (Te) Durbin of Crookston, MN; ten grandchildren: Paul (Jessica) Lewis, Rachel (Dan) Keimig, Adam Lewis, Kathren Lewis, Emily Lewis, Steven Trapp, Michael Trapp, Kristin (Eric) Stuckey, Lauren Kayl, and Jamie Kayl; four step-grandchildren: Brittany Bearstail, Jasmine Durbin, Kelsey Durbin, and Michael Durbin; as well as 12 great-grandchildren. Clarice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dan in 2015; sisters: Ardith Tindall and Sharon Steege; and infant granddaughter, Jessica Kayl.